9 Myths and Facts about PCOS

pcos-myths

Of the several medical conditions caused by hormonal imbalance, PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is caused by hormonal imbalances in women of reproductive age. The presence of excess male hormones called androgens and the female hormone called estrogen prevents the release of eggs during ovulation. Though there is no direct information to know what causes PCOS, evidence suggests the role of genetic factors and unhealthy lifestyle changes as the key causes. Some of the symptoms associated with PCOS are irregularity in periods, weight gain, excess body hair, acne, or infertility. Hence, PCOS treatment deals with these symptoms by medication and lifestyle changes. However, there is much misinformation surrounding these conditions, and these PCOS myths have put women in a dilemma, thereby impacting the diagnosis and treatment.

In this article, we will unravel several PCOS myths and learn some PCOS facts, providing a thorough understanding of what to believe and what not to.

Table of Content

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye:

  1. You Are Responsible If You Have PCOS
  2. Everyone With PCOS Is Overweight
  3. You Grow Hair On Your Face
  4. You Can’t Conceive if You Have PCOS
  5. If Your Menstrual Cycle Is Irregular, You Have PCOS
  6. PCOS can affect young girls ( less than 18 yrs)
  7. You do not have to worry about PCOS If you want to get pregnant.
  8. There is No PCOS Treatment
  9. All PCOS patients have irregular menstruation

Takeaway

1. You Are Responsible if You Have PCOS

At one point in time, many women blame themselves for the condition guided by the surrounding myths and misinformation on PCOS. What causes PCOS is unknown, and several undergoing research are still yet to conclude the cause of PCOS. All women produce small quantities of androgens, but these hormone peaks prevent ovulation causing irregular periods for women with PCOS. Hence, you are not to blame for this condition.

pcos-myths

2. Everyone with PCOS is Overweight

It is estimated that 40% of women with PCOS suffer from obesity. Hence it is very common for people to relate PCOS with obesity. The reason behind the weight gain is the body’s inability to use insulin properly. However, a healthy diet and proper exercise can help manage this. Though not common, lean people also suffer from PCOS, and sometimes thin women are overlooked or not accurately diagnosed with PCOS. Also, a single symptom does not indicate that you have PCOS.

3. You Grow Hair on Your Face

To say that PCOS could be the only reason women grow facial hair is entirely inaccurate. The condition called hirsutism, where women grow excess body hair, is caused by excess androgens which is a male hormone. However, such a condition is also noticed in women who do not have PCOS or any significant cause. When we think of how to cure PCOS, several treatment options can deal with the PCOS symptoms, especially hair growth.

4. You Can’t Conceive if You Have PCOS

This is not true. Many women with PCOS have given birth to a healthy child and went ahead to have more in their life. The main issue for women with PCOS is that the hormonal imbalance will prevent ovulation or the release of an egg. Given the chance, there are several medications as part of PCOS treatment that can stimulate ovulation and increase your chance of having a baby. Techniques like Invitro Fertilisation (IVF) also help in a great way.

5. If Your Menstrual Cycle is Irregular, You Have PCOS

When we have to know what are the first signs of PCOS, irregular periods are the answer for many. Though PCOS could be a reason for irregular periods due to the disturbance in ovulation, several other underlying causes could imbalance the menstrual cycle, and PCOS is not the only one. Some of these reasons could be low or high levels of thyroid hormone, some medications, exercising too much, or not eating enough calories. Hence, for the correct diagnosis of PCOS, it is crucial to know androgen levels in the body.

6. PCOS can affect young girls (less than 18 years)

Some facts show that PCOS is on a rising trend in teen girls and young women. Much of this owes to the genetic factors and the lifestyle changes in girls of this generation. PCOS facts and studies show that around 5% to 10% of women between 15 and 44 years have PCOS. Looking at the chance, young girls can get PCOS, but most do not.

7. You Do Not Have to Worry About PCOS, If You Want to Get Pregnant

Any condition, if left untreated, has several consequences in the future. As for PCOS, when irregular periods are the first sign of PCOS, it becomes important to treat it, especially if you want to get pregnant. Since PCOS conditions affect the ovulation process, getting the right medication and treatment will increase your chance of pregnancy rather than betting on the chance by not taking the required precautions.

8. There is No PCOS Treatment

The lingering question “how to cure PCOS?” does not have a direct answer. Though there is no direct cure for PCOS, it can be treated by monitoring several PCOS symptoms. The majority of PCOS treatments include:

  • Treatment of obesity with diet and exercise. PCOS diet chart and specific exercise for PCOS provide great relief.
  • Medications such as anti-androgens are used to treat PCOS which help with clear skin and hair growth problems.
  • Birth control pills will help with irregular periods.
  • Medications for other PCOS symptoms are also a part of PCOS treatment.

9. All PCOS Patients Have Irregular Menstruation

As discussed earlier, having only one symptom cannot determine that the patient is positive for PCOS. In some cases, low levels of iron or other nutritional deficiency can cause irregular periods, while in other cases, there are women who experience regular periods with PCOS. With proper PCOS treatment, women can manage irregular menstruation cycles caused by such conditions.

Take Away

It is important to acknowledge PCOS facts rather than PCOS myths for a better outcome and accurate PCOS treatment. Your physician will provide the required PCOS diet chart focussing on reducing weight along with specific exercises for PCOS to bring the condition under control. Daksh Clinic, headed by Dr. Puja Sharma, the best PCOS treatment doctor in South Delhi provides the most exemplary service on women’s health issues incorporating a well-established and modernised screening, diagnosis, and treatment methodologies.

Daksh Clinic